Maté drinking; Argentinian exhibition in Prague

The unusual exhibition of Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague introduces some 140 maté vessels for the traditional south-American drink maté.

Maté drinking has been a cherished tradition among the Argentinian people from pre-Colombian times. Originally, maté cups were made from gourds, later on also from other materials, including silver.

Commissioned by Argentina, ceramic maté-drinking ware was produced from the late 19th century to the beginning of the Second World War in some European countries, particularly Germany and Czechoslovakia. In the 1940s, Argentina established its own production of such containers; however their quality was inferior compared to the European output.

The exhibition has been prepared in partnership with the Embassy of Argentina in Prague

Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, The Glass, Porcelain and Ceramics Hall, 17. listopadu 2 street, December 19th, 2007 -February 24th, 2008